What to Expect
Avalon Waterways is all about making sure you get the best views! One of the coolest things they offer is their panoramic suites, where the bed actually faces the view. With floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows, you can literally lounge in bed and watch the river scenery go by. Instead of tiny balconies, you get all that extra space inside the cabin while still enjoying fresh air and incredible sights.
They’re also known for their “Active & Discovery” itineraries, which are perfect if you’re looking for a bit more adventure—think biking, hiking, and super immersive cultural experiences. Avalon gives you a chance to be active and explore, which sets them apart from other lines that might have more laid-back options.
Onboard, the vibe is super relaxed—there’s no formal dress code, and they offer open seating for meals, so you can dine whenever you want during meal times. It’s a flexible, easygoing experience that still feels luxurious without all the fuss. Overall, Avalon is great if you want stunning views, a more active itinerary, and a laid-back, flexible atmosphere!
Ship Size + Layout
Avalon Waterways’ ships are designed to feel spacious yet cozy, which gives you a more relaxed, personal vibe compared to the big cruise ships. It’s intimate without feeling crowded, so you can really settle in and enjoy the trip without dealing with too many people.
Decks
The ships have three main decks: the Indigo Deck, Sapphire Deck, and Royal Deck, and then there’s the Sky Deck up top for lounging outside and enjoying the views. There are also some lovely indoor lounge areas, like the Panorama Lounge—perfect for chilling out with a drink and enjoying those river views. You can also stop by the Club Lounge for a quieter spot to relax, maybe grab a coffee or snack.
Cabins + Suites
Their Panorama Suites are definitely the star of the show, with the bed facing those huge floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can wake up to the view right from bed. The rooms come with all the goodies, like a flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, and daily replenished bottled water. The beds are super comfy, and the bathrooms are pretty roomy compared to other river ships. Avalon even spoils you with L’Occitane toiletries in the bathroom, and the showers have nice glass doors for that extra touch of luxury.
Dining Options
Avalon Waterways’ cuisine is all about fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, and they make sure the menu reflects the region you’re sailing through. Whether you’re in the mood for a gourmet dish or something simple and comforting, they’ve got you covered. Plus, with their Flex Dining® program, you can eat whenever you want during meal times, so you’re not locked into a strict schedule.
If you’re feeling casual, the Panorama Bistro is perfect for lighter meals and snacks, and the Sky Grill on the Sky Deck is great for a more laid-back, outdoor dining experience when the weather’s nice. The Main Dining Room offers a sit-down option for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the best part? There’s no need to dress up—just go with smart casual and you’re good to go.
If you’re craving a lazy morning or want to enjoy a meal in your room, complimentary room service is available for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, so you can even have breakfast in bed while soaking in the view from your Panorama Suite. Avalon makes dining easy and flexible, with great food and plenty of options to suit your mood! And there’s always treats and coffee available in the Club Lounge, too.
Onboard Amenities + Entertainment
Avalon Waterways offers a nice mix of onboard amenities and entertainment that keeps things relaxed yet engaging. On the Sky Deck, you’ve got plenty of lounge chairs to soak in the views, and some ships even have a pool to unwind in after a day of exploring. There’s also a fitness center if you want to keep active, and many mornings they’ll offer a yoga class for a good stretch.
When it comes to entertainment, Avalon focuses on destination immersion. You’ll find things like local performers, cooking demonstrations, and informative talks about the regions you’re visiting, all aimed at helping you connect with the culture and history.
Avalon also offers complimentary Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected or share those beautiful river views. And if you need a quiet spot to relax, the Panorama Lounge and Club Lounge are perfect for grabbing a coffee, reading a book, or just enjoying the scenery.
Overall Atmosphere
The atmosphere on Avalon Waterways is all about casual luxury—it feels upscale and elegant, but without being formal or stuffy. You can enjoy high-end service and amenities while staying comfortable in smart casual attire, and the vibe is laid-back, making it easy to relax and enjoy the journey.
Avalon allows kids ages eight and up, which makes it a nice choice for multi-generational travel, but keep in mind, there are no special arrangements or activities designed specifically for children. It’s more of an adult-oriented experience, so while families can travel together, it’s best suited for older kids or teens who can appreciate the cultural experiences.
Sustainability + Environment
Avalon Waterways is committed to sustainability and has implemented several eco-friendly practices to reduce its environmental impact. They’ve designed their ships to be fuel-efficient, with energy-saving engines that reduce emissions and help conserve fuel. Avalon also focuses on using LED lighting and other energy-efficient technologies to minimize their overall carbon footprint.
To reduce plastic waste, Avalon has eliminated most single-use plastics onboard, offering reusable water bottles for guests and providing water stations (including sparkling water!) throughout the ship. They’re also committed to sourcing local ingredients for their meals, which helps reduce the environmental impact associated with food transport.
Avalon Waterways also partners with Trees4Travel, a company that helps offset carbon emissions by planting trees. For every trip taken with Avalon, Trees4Travel plants trees on behalf of the passengers, contributing to reforestation efforts and reducing the environmental impact of travel. These trees not only absorb CO2 but also help restore ecosystems and support local communities. It’s a meaningful way for travelers to give back to the environment while enjoying their cruise.
Additionally, Avalon has been recognized by Europe’s Green Award, which highlights companies committed to environmental responsibility and sustainability. This award is a big deal in the maritime industry, acknowledging Avalon’s efforts in reducing emissions, energy consumption, and overall environmental impact. It’s great to see a river cruise company prioritizing eco-friendly practices while still delivering a luxurious travel experience!
Price + Value
The average price for an Avalon Waterways river cruise typically ranges from $2,500 to $6,000 per person for a week-long trip, depending on the itinerary, season, and type of cabin you choose. While Avalon is considered a premium river cruise line, their prices are generally competitive compared to other luxury lines, like Viking or AmaWaterways. Avalon offers great value, especially considering their spacious Panorama Suites, immersive shore excursions, and flexible dining options.
In terms of what’s included, Avalon is fairly all-inclusive. Your fare covers meals, wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, complimentary shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and even things like bikes for exploring ports. However, a few things are not included, such as gratuities, premium alcoholic drinks, and optional specialty excursions that go beyond the standard offerings.
Overall, while you might find lower prices with some other lines, Avalon’s focus on comfort, flexibility, and immersive experiences makes it a solid value, especially if you want a more luxurious yet laid-back river cruise.
Specialty Cruises
Avalon Waterways has some really fun specialty cruises that are perfect if you want to tailor your trip to your interests. Their Active & Discovery Cruises are great for adventurous travelers—you can go biking, hiking, or even canoeing, plus enjoy cool cultural experiences like cooking classes or art workshops. If you’re more into wine, they’ve got wine-themed cruises where you can visit vineyards, do tastings, and hear from experts while sailing through Europe’s top wine regions.
For foodies, Avalon’s culinary cruises give you the chance to join cooking demos, check out local markets, and really get into the local food scene. They also have Christmas Market Cruises, which are a magical way to explore Europe’s charming holiday markets. Plus, if you love storytelling or history, their Storyteller Cruises and History & Legacy Cruises offer themed trips with special excursions and guest speakers that dive into fascinating topics.
